It's after 90 beneficiaries of a £1.9 million community hall grant scheme were revealed which West Belfast MLA Alex Maskey said "appears to be directed to one side of the community."

Just last week, Minister Givan reversed a controversial decision to cut Irish language scholarships after a bitter row between the two largest parties.

How likely is an election?

In a statement issued yesterday Assemblywoman Michelle O Neill said: "Sinn Fein will not be nominating for the position of deputy First Minister and the agreements mean that the people must now have their say.

"At this time there is no basis for credible negotiations to reinstate the institutions and we now must move to an election,” she said.

Stormont rules means the republican party was given seven days to replace Mr McGuinness but it has said is not interested in a last ditch attempt to save the coalition government.

“Sinn Fein is very clear we will not tolerate, incompetence, malpractice or allegations of a corrupt process in government. We have honoured all our agreements, acted with patience and generosity, and demonstrated respect and equality to all in the community," Health Minister O'Neill said.

Going to the polls is now highly likely with the Secretary of State obliged to call an election if there is no resolution by tea-time.

Mr Brokenshire had hoped the parties would come together but yesterday he told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that was unlikely to happen.

He said: "Sinn Fein have indicated that they're not intending to put a replacement forward. The clear indications are that we are moving towards an election."

When can we expect to be back at the polls?

It is thought the public could be back at the ballot box by March followed by a number of weeks of talks in a bid to form a new executive.

However James Brokenshire has also added he is not considering any alternatives to devolved government in Northern Ireland in the event that the DUP and Sinn Fein both return as the two largest parties.

James Brokenshire

"My responsibility is to see that we are working with each of the parties to ensure that we are not looking at greater division.

"My concern is that an election campaign will be divisive and will actually lead to greater distance between the parties," the Northern Ireland Secretary said.

If an election result returns to the status quo it's thought direct rule from Westminister could be implemented to allow for negotiations.

How will the fallout affect Brexit discussions?

Concerns have been raised about the impact the political fallout will have on Brexit negotiations.

If an election is called, it is likely to happen around the same time the UK government intends to trigger Article 50.

The Secretary of State gave assurances the region will not miss out in Brexit talks if there is no serving First and deputy First Ministers.

What else is happening?

While eyes will be on Sinn Fein and the deputy First Minister's reappointment process, the Economy Minister will be hoping to push through emergency legislation in an attempt to reduce the eco-initiative's half a billion pound costs to the public purse.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton (Image: Stephen Hamilton/Press Eye)

The DUP's Simon Hamilton is thought to be hoping to reduce the tariffs for almost 2,000 RHI claimants.